Hustle drop season opener to Vipers

Photo: Lucas Williamson (shown during Hustle Media Day), scored 21 points in Saturday’s loss to Rio Grande Valley. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

Nov. 9, 2024 – The Memphis Hustle (0-1) were defeated 103-97 by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (1-0) to start the Tip-Off Tournament, on Saturday, Nov. 9. 

Miles Norris paced the Hustle with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Lucas Williamson scored 21 points. Armando Bacot contributed 17 points, 18 rebounds and five assists. Malachi Smith tallied 12 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Race Thompson added 10 points and six rebounds off the bench.

On assignment from the Rockets, Cam Whitmore led the Vipers with 28 points and six rebounds. Nate Williams added 18 points and eight rebounds. Jermaine Samuels Jr. scored 13 points. Thon Maker added 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Memphis opened the game on a 20-7 to take an early double-digit lead before the Vipers fought back to take a second half lead. With the game tied at 97 with 1:10 remaining, Rio Grande Valley closed on a 6-0 run to secure the win.

Memphis outrebounded the Vipers 56-53 and scored 18 second chance points. The Hustle assisted on 27 of 36 field goals. The Vipers bench outscored the Hustle bench 28-18.

The Hustle will host their home opener on Monday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. CT against the Mexico City Capitanes.